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Difficulty: Intermediate
Most people would love more kitchen storage, so ideas to maximise use of your precious space are always popular.
This slimline spice rack can fit neatly in a gap beside a fridge – often wasted space that does nothing except collect dust.
The inspiration for this popular project comes from Pull out storage to utilise space next to fridge, with credit to @DIYology for the wonderful design.
Thanks also to @jessica_roesel, @keithT, @Pasan and @Prof for sharing your creations with us.
Steps
Step 1
Begin your project by cutting all the timber to length. Take four of your dressed Pine 89 x19mm and cut them in half at 90cm for the shelves. For the railings, cut the Pine dowel into 92cm lengths.
Step 2
Lay out your shelves and the two full-length sides. Position the first two shelves 23cm apart at the top, and then transition to 33cm apart for the bottom three shelves. Mark out on the side panels where the shelves top and bottom edges will go. Then mark out locations for the rail holes, 4.5cm above the top of the shelves mark and 1.5cm in from the edge of the side panels.
Step 3
Take a scrap piece of wood and create a guide by transferring the rail hole measurements onto it. Drill out these holes and then clamp the guide onto your side panel. You will drill into the side panel to a depth of 10mm. To achieve this, add 10mm to the thickness of your guide and then wrap some painter’s tape around the drill bit at that point. The tape will be an indicator that you are only drilling 10mm into the side panel, and the guide will keep your holes consistent.
Drill all the rail holes into the side panels. Drill three holes per shelf side with your 3mm drill bit. These holes will fall between the lines you marked earlier for the top and bottom of the shelf.
Step 4
Take one side panel and apply PVA glue both to the location where the shelves will fix, and to the shelf ends. Use three screws 8 x 50mm to secure one end of the shelves to the side panel. Some corner clamps can come in handy to keep the shelves perpendicular to the side panel. Insert the 8 x 50mm screws partially into the second side panel.
Step 5
Stand the unit on edge, so the shelves are vertical. Apply glue to the ends of the shelves and the dowels and to the additional side panel. Insert the dowels into the lower side panel. Take the remaining side panel and place it on top of the shelves and dowels.
Starting from one end, line up the dowels with the pre-drilled holes and tap the side panel into place with a hammer. A scrap block of timber will prevent the hammer marking the side panel as you tap it into place. Once the side panel is in place, secure all the screws into the shelves.
Step 6
Apply timber putty over all screws, and any joins that have gaps. Wait for this to dry and then sand back the excess putty. Apply a second skim coat of putty and then sand again when it is dry.
Step 7
Lay drop sheets to prevent drips and then use water-based enamel paint to coat your unit. You will need to apply a few coats to get an excellent finish. Wait for the paint to dry.
Step 8
Install your four casters onto the bottom of the unit. It would be best if you stepped the castors at the front slightly back, hiding them under it. Next, mark out the position of the handle at the height of your preference. Drill holes and install the handle with the screws provided.
Congratulations. You've now completed your hidden spice rack shelf. Enjoy filling it with an assortment of your favourite fragrant ingredients.
Materials
- 6 pieces of 1.8m dressed Pine 89 x19mm
- 12 pieces of Pine dowel 12.7mm 1.2m
- 42 screws 8 x 50mm
- 16 screws 8 x 18mm
- 500ml PVA glue
- 4 50mm castors
- 1 drawer handle
- 1 litre water-based enamel paint
- Timber putty
Tools
- Drill driver
- 12.7mm drill bit
- 3mm drill bit
- Circular saw or mitre saw
- Tape measure
- Clamps
- Hammer
- Paint brush or spray gun
- Painter's tape
Images
